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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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NTSB Report

May 11, 1995 · Schweizer SGS 2-33A · N7768S

Honolulu, HI

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 11, 1995
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Honolulu, HI
Aircraft
Schweizer SGS 2-33A
Tail Number
N7768S
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
LAX95LA184

AFTER BEING TOWED TO AN ALTITUDE OF 1,000 FEET MSL, THE PILOT INITIALLY CLIMBED AN ADDITIONAL 100 FEET. ABOUT 5 MINUTES LATER HE ENCOUNTERED AN AREA WHICH WAS NOT GENERATING ANY LIFT AND DECIDED TO TURN BACK TOWARD THE AIRPORT. WHILE FLYING AN UPWIND COURSE, WHICH WAS IN CLOSE PROXIMITY AND NEARLY PARALLEL TO THE NORTH SIDE OF A NEARBY RIDGE LINE, THE GLIDER ENCOUNTERED AN UNEXPECTED DOWNDRAFT. UNABLE TO MANEUVER OUT OF THE CONDITION, THE GLIDER WAS FORCED DOWN, IMPACTING STEEP, ROCKY TERRAIN. THE PILOT REPORTED THAT THE PREVAILING WINDS AT THE ACCIDENT SITE WERE GUSTING FROM THE SOUTHEAST.

NTSB Probable Cause

the pilot's attempted flight in close proximity to terrain under gusty wind conditions at an inadequate terrain clearance altitude.

Full Narrative

On May 10, 1995, at 1530 Hawaii standard time, a Schweizer SGS 2-33A glider, N7768S, sustained substantial damage after colliding with a ridge while maneuvering near a ridge line at Honolulu, Hawaii. The glider was owned and operated by Soar Hawaii, Ltd., and was rented by the pilot for a local personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed for the operation. The certificated commercial pilot sustained minor injuries. The flight originated from Dillingham Airfield at 1521 on the day of the accident. The pilot said that after being towed to an altitude of 1,000 feet msl he was able to climb an additional 100 feet. He stated that about 5 minutes later he encountered an area which was not generating any lift and decided to turn back toward the airport. While flying an upwind course, which was in close proximity and nearly parallel to the north side of a nearby ridge line, the glider encountered an unexpected downdraft. Unable to maneuver out of the condition, the glider was forced down, impacting steep, rocky terrain at approximately 700 feet msl. After impact, the glider slid down the face of the ridge until coming to rest against a tree. The pilot was able to egress the glider without assistance. He reported that the prevailing winds at the accident site were gusting from the southeast.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:30 HST
Nearest AirportDillingham Airfield (0nm SW)
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftSchweizer SGS 2-33A
Tail NumberN7768S
Aircraft CategoryGli
DamageDestroyed
Operating RulePart 91
Engine TypeUnknown
Engine DetailsUnknown
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 60 · First Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind80° @ 13 kt
Visibility7 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 3500 ft
Temperature / Dew Point63 F
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time00:55
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data